We are so pleased to have collaborated with Nicola Pearce from Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall to provide some top tips for keeping your baby and child safe in the sun this summer.
SUNCREAM
Suncream is generally not recommended for babies under 6 months- just keep them in the shade and well hydrated!
For children look for SPF30 or higher and UVA 5* rating. Reapply every couple of hours and after swimming and towel drying. Don’t forget areas such as face, ears, feet and back of hands.
Top tip- the most expensive brands don’t always offer the most protection!
PLAYING OUTSIDE
Encourage your child to play in the shade- for example under trees – especially between 11- 3 when the sun is at its strongest (protection is still needed) , or take time out of the sun at these times.
Cover your child in loose cotton clothes such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. Get your child to wear a floppy hat that shades their face, ears and neck.
Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark (check the label).
Keep hydrated, have lots of water available and offer homemade ice lollies and fruit high in water content.
Do NOT offer ice to young children as they could choke!
If you have artificial grass do check the temperature before your little one goes outside. Temperatures can reach as high as 62.3’c on a hot day! Same applies to floor tiles. This just highlights the dangers of surfaces in direct sunlight.
WATER
A child can drown in as little as 2cm of water, supervise at all time and empty paddling pools and buckets of water when not using.
The water sat inside a hose on a very hot day can reach temperatures of 140’. Always spray your hose for a few seconds and check the water before shooting at your child or pet. Have you ever thought about the colour of your child’s swimsuit and the difference it could make in an emergency? If a child was to slip beneath the surface of the water wearing a swimsuit a similar colour to the pool they are less likely to be seen. If you dress your child in bright colours they are more likely to be spotted!
OUT & ABOUT
Throwing a cover over the buggy when out and about with your baby might seem an obvious way to keep them cool and protected from the sun on a hot summers day. Covering your baby’s pram with a blanket on a hot day will significantly increase the temperature inside the pram, possibly to levels that could cause your baby to overheat. Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the heat than older children and adults. That’s because they sweat less, their ability to regulate their body temperature is less efficient and they can’t tell us when they are feeling too hot! This puts them at increased risk of heat related illness, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you are out and about make sure your pram is covered with an inbuilt sun shade or a light ventilated attachable one. Dress baby in lightweight loose fitting clothing. Give your baby more fluids than usual to keep hydrated. Avoid peak hours and stick to the shade as much as possible. Check on little ones often, feeling their skin to ensure they are cool.
BEE & WASP STINGS
What action should you take if you or your child accidentally does get stung by a bee or wasp?
• Remove the sting if it’s still in the skin
• Wash the affected area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel of cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes
• Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling • Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection
• Avoid traditional home made remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help
The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days so it’s worth asking your pharmacist about medicines that can help.
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• A swollen face, mouth or throat
• Feeling sick or being sick
• A fast heart rate
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.
More about Nicola at Daisy First Aid : I run Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall. Daisy First Aid is an award winning paediatric company. We offer fun and fear-free first aid courses deigned specifically for parents and child carers. In our two hour class, which takes place in the attendees own home or local venue (and currently online), the world of emergency first aid unfolds, as parents, grandparents and care givers interact and learn the skills they need to save a life and to treat the most common accidents and emergencies. Babies and breastfeeding are very welcome. Please email nicola.pearce@daisyfirstaid.com
Follow Nicola on social media:
Facebook- Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall Instagram- @daisyfirstaidcornwall
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